Kept

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 20-21)

In his brief but compelling letter, Jude exhorts us as the children of God to do four things: (1) build ourselves up on holy faith, (2) pray in the Holy Spirit, (3) keep ourselves in the love of God, and (4) look for the mercy of Christ.

In times of chaos and uncertainty (which is pretty much what it has been for the whole of human history, when you stop and think about it), it behooves us to ask ourselves some provocative questions:

“Am I responding in faith, or reacting in fear?”

“Am I praying in accordance with the will of God, knowing that the Holy Spirit alone knows the mind of God?”

“Am I motivated by the love of God for a world of lost sinners, or am I motivated by my own self-interests, preferences and comforts?”

“Am I looking for the mercy of God, or am I wishing He’d give people what I think should be coming to them?”

Are there injustices? Yes. Are there horrible things happening to good people? Yes. Is God on the throne of Heaven overseeing His expanding kingdom and government and attending to the growth and health of His glorious Church? Indeed, yes!!

Might it be that He has allowed chaos to disrupt our lives so that we will be pressed into silence before Him, so that we will find out what His desire for His people is? Quite possibly. After all, “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

My prayer for us is that we allow Him to make us both salt and light, shining the light of His redeeming love all around and preserving all that is good and holy. “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24-25)

As you listen to this song, worship Him who put His word in your heart so that it would bear fruit in your life and bring light to the world around you.

Until next week, seek His face, see His beauty, abound in His grace, be kept in His love.